[AutumnRidge]

Welcome Jeff, Many of us on here have the same addiction… 😁

[AutumnRidge]

Everyone has their favorite breeds for various reasons but for us, its the Asian Blacks. They are hardy, docile, very good egg layers and conversion ration of food to meat is good.

[AutumnRidge]

Sounds like a good idea. We save only Non-GMO heirloom seed varieties and would be happy to share if you get something set up. Thanks for a great idea.

[AutumnRidge]

We can lots of meats such as Beef Ribs, Chicken, Hamburger and Elk. It makes for quick meals when opened and added to other ingredients.

[AutumnRidge]

A double row planter with corn plates and a side dresser attachment.

[AutumnRidge]

Lots of things come into play when figuring heating loads in Greenhouses. Basically you must have enough BTUs to maintain your desired temperature in a given enviroment. Heat loss in Greenhouses can vary greatly such as use of single film or double inflated film, Infrared or conventional film, structure orientation, air distribution, type of floor, irrigation and drainage systems. Double inflated film will save you 45 to 50% on heat loss. another 15 to 20% savings if you choose Infrared film. Orientation is a catch 22. East / West allows more solar energy during daylight hours but cooling expense goes up. North / South equals less Solar energy collection but is easier to cool. Correct air distribution is critical to maintaining even heating. Bare ground is a very good heat sink. Its better to have gravel and a ground cloth to mitigate heat loss. Of course if crops are to be grown in the ground within the structure this is not an option. If irrigation systems uses water that is too cold and is allowed to wet surfaces other than what is intended, it takes a large percenage of the heat you have produced out through your drainage system. Just a rough rule of thumb, a 24 ft wide X 72 ft long X 10 ft tall greenhouse with double Infrared film inflated, takes approx. 175,000 BTUs to keep it at 70 degrees with outside air temperature of 32 degrees and no wind. Below 32 and wind another 175, 000 BTUs and it will be good down to negative 10 with 20 mph wind. One of our 24 X 72 X 10 Greenhouses is set up with two 175,00 BTU heaters. we only use the second one when temps drop below freezing to maintain 70 degrees. In our area we figure 25 BTUs per cu. ft. to mainatin70 degrees at negative 10 degrees. Hope this helps some to figure what you need.

[AutumnRidge]

By doubling the layers of Greenhouse film and adding an inflation fan to expand the layers 3 – 5 inches apart will save you approx. 45 to 50% on heat loss. Use infrared film and you can save another 15 to 20% on heat loss especially on Clear cold nights. If you have questions feel free to ask. I use to be a Greenhouse construction and managment consultant.

[AutumnRidge]

We plant the Red Norlands and Kennebec as our determinate varieties and Red Pontiacs and our Indeterminate variety. Unless its something unique we want to try all our seed potatoes are bought at our local Farm store in 50 pound bags for a fraction of the cost per pound in seed catalogs.

[AutumnRidge]

I remember those catalogs very well, lol. We get our seeds from Morgan County Seeds, High Mowing and Baker Creek.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 12 months ago by  AutumnRidge.

[AutumnRidge]

Earlier I recommened Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. I have to rescind that statement after I found out the owners were forcing their employees to be Vaccinated. They promote their seeds as non-gmo, non-hybrid and heirloom but they wanted to force their employees to take an experimental vaccine that has untelling what in its ingredients. That is the definition of hypocrisy. I’m done with them.

[AutumnRidge]

We have used MI Gardner in the past and have always been satisfied with the service and the seed.

[AutumnRidge]

Elderberries produce fruit sometimes the first year and reach full production within 3 years. They thrive in rich loam soil that is slightly acidic. If they bloom but produce no berries its most likely a pollination problem. Elderberries are partially self-fruting which means they may set fruit but no very much. Make sure you have at least two Elderberries within 40 to 50 feet of each other. Some require cross pollination from a different variety to have a full crop. Insects can also cause problems before the blooms open. We have had an incidence or two where birds have apparently eaten the blooms just before they open. We thought it was likely the birds were after insects and took the blooms out finding them. Anyway, Hope this helps.

[AutumnRidge]

I contacted Baker Creek once again and this time got the following reply..I’m confused..

Good morning,

Baker Creek has NEVER made it mandatory to get vaccinated and has NEVER fired any employee who did not get the vaccination. This has always been left up to each individual as to what is right for them and we have been given the freedom to choose based on our own beliefs. The rumors are just that, rumors. They are entirely false and an attempt by some to slander this company. I am sorry that you have heard these lies and hope that you are open to hearing the truth that comes from someone who has been with this company for 10 years.

Thank you,

Mary

Customer Care
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed

[AutumnRidge]

We find things many call junk for either free or little of nothing. My son has a restoration area in our shop and brings what used to be “Junk” back to life. We keep what we need and sell the rest to put toward other things. The system works very well for us.

[AutumnRidge]

Yes, you are right about Pine Tree. We have used them from time to time.